He's the only player featuring in a fourth successive World Cup yet England star Michael McIlorum feels it’s “strange” how he even became a rugby league professional.
The combative Catalans hooker is at the heart of Shaun Wane’s side as they bid to lift the trophy for the first time. But his first World Cup experience came in Ireland colours in 2008 when still a 20-year-old Wigan rookie. McIlorum did star for Steve McNamara’s England when they were knocked out in an epic 2013 World Cup semi-final at Wembley.
He was overlooked by new England chief Wayne Bennett four years later so headed Down Under with Ireland again, helping them beat James Tedesco’s Italy and Wales. However, current England boss Wane knows all about McIlorum’s quality from their days together at Wigan. He brought back him into the fold for this tournament ahead of Man of Steel winners Paul McShane and Daryl Clark plus Leeds captain Kruise Leeming.
